WHY CHOOSE US FOR BRAIN OR SPINE CANCER TREATMENT
鈥淚鈥檓 thankful for this miracle, but so are my family, that I went to Huntsman Cancer Institute. They saved my life."
Huntsman Cancer Institute is a leading center for research and treatment of brain and spine cancers.
Our Neuro-Oncology Team offers comprehensive care for both cancerous and noncancerous tumors of the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
We are leading research on brain and spine cancers, focusing on finding better ways to detect markers for treating recurring glioblastoma, and testing new treatments for 人妻中出视频ren and adults with ongoing brain tumors. We have an extensive portfolio of clinical trials evaluating new and promising treatments for many different types of brain and spine tumors.
Our specialists have the expertise to help patients with the latest treatment for the best possible outcome, and we have a great patient population that wants to take active roles in their care by participating in clinical trials.
Specialized Treatments
We offer a comprehensive range of specialized treatments for brain cancers, tailored to each
patient's unique needs:
- Intraoperative MRI: a computerized intraoperative navigation system that incorporates information gathered from a patient鈥檚 preoperative MRI. This state-of-the-art device helps surgeons find their way around the brain during surgery, much like a GPS.
- Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy: a breakthrough treatment that blocks proteins made by cancer cells that help them hide from a patient鈥檚 own immune system.
- Laster Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT): a minimally invasive surgical technique used primarily to treat abnormalities in the brain, such as tumors or epileptic foci, but it can also be used in other parts of the body.
- Fluorescence Guided Surgery: an advanced surgical technique that uses fluorescent dyes and specialized imaging systems to help visualize and precisely remove diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
- Proton Radiation Therapy: a cutting-edge form of radiation treatment that uses protons rather than traditional X-rays (photons) to destroy cancer cells. It allows for precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Huntsman Cancer Institute is the only center in the Mountain West to offer this therapy.
Additionally, we have an extensive clinical trials portfolio for many different types of primary and metastatic brain tumors, and we utilize methods like preoperative imaging, awake cortical speech mapping, and motor and sensory mapping to decrease surgical complications.
Our Expertise
Our multidisciplinary team includes neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists, neuropathologists, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, and others on the clinical treatment and support team. Together, this team develops personalized treatment plans, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for patients with brain and spine cancers.
In addition to providing all comprehensive evidence-based treatment and care for brain and spine cancers, our team has specialized expertise and leadership in multiple national and international collaborations to evaluate new treatments:
- Usage of implantable ultrasound devices next to tumor sites for blood-brain barrier disruption, allowing for more targeted chemotherapy
- Leadership of the Glioblastoma Adaptive Global Innovative Learning Environment (GBM AGILE) study to evaluate multiple new treatments in GBM
- Usage of anti-CD47 antibodies to treat recurrent brain tumors in adults and 人妻中出视频ren
- Non-invasive testing via biomarkers to assist in diagnosing and determining treatment options for patients with both primary and metastatic brain tumors
- Clinical trials where the idea, design, and execution are primarily driven by a Huntsman Cancer Institute researcher or clinician (commonly known as investigator-initiated clinical trials)
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
Find a Brain, Spine, and Skull Base Cancer Doctor
BRAIN & SPINE CANCERS RESEARCH
As a leading center for the research of brain and spine cancers, we have led or been a part of a number of key research initiatives across a wide range of categories:
- H3 K27M: Newly Diagnosed Grade 4, Recurrent Grade 4
- FGFR: Recurrent GBM Grade 4
- IDH: Recurrent Glioma
- RAS or NF-1: Melanoma CNS Mets
- BRAF: Melanoma CNS Mets (and BRAF alteration or BRAF V600E/K
- CDK, KRAS G12C, PI3K/AKT/mTor: CNS Mets
- Grade 4 Glioma: Newly diagnosed, prior to surgery; newly diagnosed, post-operative; recurrent
- Grade 3 Glioma: Newly diagnosed, recurrent
- Grade 2 Glioma: Recurrent
- CNS Mets
- CNS Lymphoma: Newly diagnosed, recurrent
- Brain Radiation
Clinical Trials
Make an Appointment with a Brain and Spine Cancer Specialist
To make an appointment with a brain and spine cancer specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Brain & Spine Cancers Basics
Brain, spine, and skull base tumors develop inside the body's central nervous system. These include growths in the brain, spinal cord, and the tissues that line them.
These tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous. Primary tumors begin in the brain and spinal cord. Metastatic tumors have spread from other cancer sites in the body to the brain and spine. Children can get brain and spinal cord tumors as well.
These are the primary types of brain and spine tumors:
- Astrocytic tumors
- Oligodendroglial tumors
- Ependymal tumors
- Medulloblastomas
- Pineal parenchymal tumors
- Meningeal tumors
- Germ cell tumors
- Craniopharyngioma (Grade 1)
These are signs and symptoms of brain and spinal tumors in adults:
Brain Tumor Symptoms
- Morning headache or headache that goes away after vomiting
- Seizures
- Vision, hearing, and speech problems
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent nausea and vomiting
- Changes in personality, mood, ability to focus, or behavior
- Loss of balance and trouble walking
- Weakness
- Unusual sleepiness or change in activity level
Spinal Cord Tumor Symptoms
- Back pain or pain that spreads from the back toward the arms or legs
- A change in bowel habits or trouble urinating
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Trouble walking
Many other health problems can also cause these signs. If you have any of these signs, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Having these certain rare genetic syndromes may increase the risk brain tumors:
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or 2 (NF2)
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Turcot syndrome type 1 or 2
- Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome
There is an array of tests conducted to help diagnose brain and spinal tumors and to evaluate the effects of tumors on neurologic function:
- A neurological exam, consisting of a series of questions and tests to check the brain, spinal cord, and nerve function. The exam reveals the state of a person鈥檚 mental status, coordination, and ability to walk normally, as well as their muscles, senses, and reflexes.
- A visual exam that checks a person鈥檚 field of vision to measure both central vision (how much a person can see when looking straight ahead) and peripheral vision (how much a person can see in all other directions while staring straight ahead). Any loss of vision may be a sign of a tumor that has damaged or pressed on the parts of the brain that affect eyesight.
- A tumor marker, which measures the amounts of substances made by organs, tissues, or tumor cells in the body that are linked to specific types of cancer.
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Gene testing to analyze cells or tissues and look for changes in genes or chromosomes, which may be a sign that a person has or is at risk of having a specific disease or condition.
A CT scan to take a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body at different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an X-ray machine, and a dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
- An MRI with gadolinium, which uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord. A substance called gadolinium is injected into a vein, which collects around the cancer cells so they show up brighter in the picture. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI). MRI is often used to diagnose tumors in the spinal cord. Sometimes a procedure called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is done during the MRI scan. An MRS is used to diagnose tumors, based on their chemical makeup.
- A PET (positron emission tomography scan) to find malignant tumor cells in the body. A small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. The PET scanner rotates around the body and makes a picture of where glucose is being used in the brain. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter in the picture because they are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells do. PET is used to tell the difference between a primary tumor and a tumor that has spread to the brain from somewhere else in the body.
If imaging tests show there may be a brain tumor, a biopsy is usually done. One of the following types of biopsies may be used:
- Stereotactic biopsy to reveal whether a tumor deep in the brain is in a hard-to-reach place. This kind of biopsy uses a computer and a three-dimensional (3-D) scanning device to find the tumor and guide the needle used to remove the tissue. A small incision is made in the scalp, and a small hole is drilled through the skull. A biopsy needle is inserted through the hole to remove cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.
- Open biopsy. If imaging tests show that there may be a tumor that can be removed by surgery, an open biopsy may be done. A part of the skull is removed in an operation called a craniotomy and a sample of brain tissue is removed and viewed under a microscope by a pathologist. If cancer cells are found, some or all of the tumor may be removed during the same surgery. Tests are done before surgery to find the areas around the tumor that are important for normal brain function. There are also ways to test brain function during surgery. The doctor will use the results of these tests to remove as much of the tumor as possible with the least damage to normal tissue in the brain.
The World 人妻中出视频 Organization (WHO) grades tumors based on appearance under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Brain tumors are categorized on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being low-grade (slow-growing) and 4 being high-grade (rapidly growing).
- Grade 1 (low-grade): The tumor grows slowly, has cells that look a lot like normal cells, and rarely spreads into nearby tissues. Grade 1 brain tumors may be cured if they are completely removed by surgery.
- Grade 2: The tumor grows slowly but may spread into nearby tissue and may recur (come back). Some tumors may become a higher-grade tumor.
- Grade 3: The tumor grows quickly, is likely to spread into nearby tissue, and the tumor cells look very different from normal cells.
- Grade 4 (high-grade): The tumor grows and spreads very quickly, and the cells do not look like normal cells. There may be areas of dead cells in the tumor. Grade 4 tumors are usually not curable.
